Under rainy skies we rode for 30 km. Even in the rain we enjoyed the
scenery which is similar to America's west. It may seem strange but Mongolia
does a better job of recreating America's "Old West" than America
itself. Grasslands stretch to the horizon in every direction, untamed
by fences, ranches, or housing developments. The few roads are made from
jeep ruts instead of carriage ruts. Besides landscape similarities, Mongolia
has a nomadic culture, a horse-based society, that is reminiscent of the
American Indians. Mongolians look like American Indians, and they live
in gers, a round tent that is the teepee's cousin. These are imperfect
comparisons but we believe you must come to Asia to find the best facsimile
of America's old frontier land. Mongolia has one of the word's lowest
population densities (1 or 2 persons per sq. km), so we don't see many
people out in the countryside. However, whenever we stop for a picnic
or break, someone eventually rides up to investigate in a friendly way.
A neighborly atmosphere thrives on Mongolia's vast grasslands.

Stop near a ger and its habitants are sure to pay you a friendly visit.
Just serve them tea and smile. You can also visit their ger for some fermented
mare's milk or goat cheese, local delicacies. The people here are extremely hospitable.